CHAMBERSBURG >> The York man cited in a July fuel spill on the Memorial Square pleaded guilty to one of two charges during a hearing Thursday afternoon.

Mohamed Kenz, 35, originally contested citations of driving out of his lane and careless driving. However, during a hearing at Magisterial District Judge Glenn Manns' office Thursday, Kenz pleaded guilty to driving out of his lane. The careless driving citation was dismissed.

Around 4:56 p.m. July 28, Kenz was driving a gasoline tanker truck on Lincoln Way West in the square. Going through the square, his tanker struck a dumpster that was parked just off the square for construction purposes. The dumpster gauged a hole into the plumbing of the truck, enabling around 150 gallons of gasoline to leak out.

The square was shut down for about five hours while crews from all over south central Pennsylvania came to assist with the leak, and nearby businesses and homes were evacuated. The gas was contained, though there was an estimated 10-20 gallons that spilled into the Conococheague Creek. The Environmental Protection Agency ultimately determined there would be no major impact from the gasoline that made it into the creek.

Two people were evaluated by EMS at the scene, but no major injuries were reported.

Though Kenz pleaded not guilty to the citations, his attorney told Manns that he had already paid the fines associated with each citation. According to court documents, around $137.50 was paid toward the citation that Kenz pleaded guilty to and related costs. Manns told Kenz he would receive a refund for the citation that was dropped.

There were no arguments made in the case, as Kenz' attorney told the judge of the agreed-upon plea as soon as the hearing began.

Becky Metrick can be reached at 717-262-4762

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